How to obtain and maintain youthful skin with “collagen banking”

“I like to compare collagen to a patient's bank account,” Adebibe said this week. “You'll want to have enough money in the bank to cover your losses. If you're working on collagen stimulation before menopause, you've got more to lose.”

“Collagen banking” is not a recent creation. It's been a buzzword since at least 2019, and some dermatologists recommend getting collagen-stimulating treatments in your 20s.

“It's well-studied that your body starts to lose more collagen in your late 20s,” cosmetic and general dermatologist Annie Chiu told HuffPost at the time. “This is when the activity of the enzymes that break down collagen begins to increase beyond what the body naturally replenishes. Essentially, collagen breakdown outpaces new collagen production.” And early on. Once you start replenishing, you will be better able to cope with the rate of loss. ”

Experts say there are treatments and dietary changes you can take to maintain your collagen levels.

The approach includes “applying sunscreen every day, keeping your skin moisturized, [and] It's the use of antioxidants, topical retinoids, and active ingredients that promote and protect collagen production,'' Dermalogica skincare expert Angela Taylor recently told Stylist UK.

The Kentucky-based board-certified dermatologist advises using chemical peels to store collagen. Microneedling punctures the skin with small sterile needles, with or without radiofrequency. topical retinoids, Derived from vitamin A. LED light therapy; and injectable dermal fillers such as Radiesse and Sculptra.

Meanwhile, Tina Fey's makeup artists are raving about Dermalogica's Pro-Collagen Banking Serum ($89), which claims to hydrate and plump skin while preserving collagen.

But the key to pre-rejuvenation may not be in the bathroom, but in the kitchen.

“Collagen banking can be achieved through a healthy diet by eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids such as citrus fruits, berries, fish, and leafy greens,” says Absolute Collagen Chief Scientist Dr. Dave Reilly told PopSugar UK. Riley also recommends Absolute Collagen's liquid collagen supplement ($35).

The global market for collagen supplements was valued at $1.99 billion in 2021, despite some medical experts raising red flags about its effectiveness.

And not everyone agrees with “collagen banking.”

“The chronological aging process will continue,” London-based dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahato told The Sunday Times. “There are certain skin care ingredients and treatments that can stimulate the production of natural collagen, but don't be fooled into thinking you can get your prepubescent skin back.”